Ragged Peak

Overview

Ragged Peak (10,912 feet) is the spiky granite high point you see north of Tuolumne Meadows. It’s a “quick win” summit with wide-open views of Mount Conness, the Cathedral Range, and the Young Lakes basin. Expect mostly trail hiking to start, then a fun, short scramble on big blocks to tag the true high point.

Route at a Glance

Start from the Lembert Dome/Dog Lake trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows and head toward Dog Lake/Young Lakes. After passing Delaney/Delaney Creek meadows and the Dingley Creek area, leave the main trail in the high meadow and aim cross-country for the east slopes via Ragged Pass. From there, it’s easy talus and sand to the summit blocks, with brief airy class 3 moves to the top. Many hikers descend the more forgiving class 2 southwest slope.

• Typical stats: about 9.3 miles round-trip with ~2,580 feet of gain, depending on where you leave the trail and how much ridge you wander.
• Strong hikers often complete it in a casual half-day, sometimes detouring to Dog Lake on the return.

Difficulty and Conditions

Most of the day is class 1–2 on trail, meadow, and talus, but the final approach is not a maintained trail. Expect loose rock, a faint use path that peters out, and brief class 3 near the summit. Early season (May–June, sometimes July in big winters) can mean patchy-to-deep snow, buried trails, and postholing; snow travel tools may be useful. In wetter years, mosquitoes can be fierce around Delaney Meadow.

What You’ll See

A crenelated granite ridge with multiple false high points and cliffier ground on the west side near the summit blocks. From the top, soak up sweeping views across Tuolumne country—Mount Conness, Young Lakes, and the Cathedral Range. Along the approach, you’ll cross meadows and small stream channels; in low flow, tiny fish linger in deeper pools.

Ragged Pass & Young Lakes Link

Ragged Pass, just east of the peak, is a popular cross-country shortcut to Young Lakes. It’s straightforward when dry, but can hold steep, consequential snow on the north side in early season or heavy-snow years.

Getting There & Amenities

Use the signed Lembert Dome/Dog Lake lot on Tioga Road. The trailhead has vault toilets and bear boxes; don’t expect drinking water at vault-toilet trailheads. Day hikes don’t need permits; overnight trips in this area require wilderness permits and proper food storage.

Regulations and Etiquette

• Day hike: no permit required. Overnight: wilderness permit and bear canister required; campfires are prohibited above 9,600 feet in the Young Lakes area.
• Check for seasonal advisories, including wildlife-related route closures (e.g., Peregrine Falcon protection dates) and fire restrictions.
• No overnight parking on Tioga Road beginning October 15 each year; Tioga Road closes seasonally, limiting access.

Best Time to Visit

Late July through September offers the easiest travel: dry meadows, minimal snow, and fewer mosquitoes. Midweek mornings are mellow for parking and cooler temps. For photos, early and late light flatters the granite and gives depth to the Cathedral Range.